Abstract: A cigarette density profile measurement system which utilizes a hopper system for storing a large number of cigarette rods whose density is to be measured which hopper system is used to feed one cigarette rod at a time to a fixed cigarette holder which incorporates a beta gauge system which sequentially irradiates a slice of the cigarette rod with beta particles for measurement of the mass of tobacco contained in that slice of the cigarette rod. By measuring the number of beta particles which pass through each slice of the cigarette rod, the cigarette density profile measurement system is able to determine the density of the tobacco contained in the cigarette rod being measured. A programmed microcomputer is utilized to control the cigarette density profile measurement system and is also provided with additional software for analyzing the density data.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically inspecting cigarette rods for spots and stains are disclosed in which a hopper assembly apparatus is utilized to present cigarette samples one at a time to a CCD camera which takes an image of a 36 degree slice of the surface of the outer wrapper of the cigarette. The image is digitized, analyzed and stored. The cigarette is then rotated through 360 degrees and an image of each 36 degree segment of its outer surface is obtained, analyzed and the data stored. The system then selects another cigarette and repeats the inspection and evaluation process.

Abstract: Cigarette rods having fragments of metal therein can be efficiently and effectively separated from cigarette rods free of detectable metal particulates. A moving continuous rod exiting a rod-forming unit passes through a ring-like metal sensing device. The continuous rod is subdivided into individual rods of the desired length. A reject valve operates to isolate any rods determined to contain metal fragments. The process is performed to provide high quality control in the manufacture of cigarettes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an inspection method, apparatus and system for identifying cigarettes having insufficient tobacco at their lighting end in which cigarettes are conveyed serially through a beam of infrared radiation. The amount of infrared radiation passing perpendicularly through the end portion of each cigarette is compared to a predetermined value to determine whether or not the cigarette is defective. The method, apparatus and inspection system of the invention is both accurate and reliable and can be employed in combination with cigarette manufacturing systems operating at speeds in excess of 7,000-8,000 cigarettes per minute.

Abstract: The invention provides package inspection systems which are capable of high speed sensing and evaluation of package integrity as packages are continuously conveyed in the manufacturing process. The systems are capable of measuring predetermined parameters of packages, e.g. cigarette packages, comparing the measured parameters with predetermined values, evaluating from the measured parameters the integrity of the packages and determining whether such packages are acceptable or, alternatively, should be rejected. The system can additionally obtain and store data on sensed package parameters for evaluating long-term and short-term manufacturing trends. In various embodiments of the invention, the system can inspect a single or plural package side(s), employing a single or plural line scan or area array camera(s) and may employ special optics to enable plural package side images to be obtained using a single camera.